Ducks Bounce Back, Topple Golden Knights in Overtime for Sixth Straight Victory
In the high-stakes world of NHL hockey, few things get fans' hearts racing like a comeback from the jaws of defeat—especially in overtime! Imagine blowing a two-goal lead late in a game against a powerhouse team like the Vegas Golden Knights, only to rally and snatch victory in those nail-biting extra minutes. That's exactly the rollercoaster ride the Anaheim Ducks delivered in a 4-3 win at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, extending their winning streak to six games. But here's where it gets controversial: Was this gritty resilience a sign of a maturing young squad, or just a lucky break against a struggling opponent? Stick around to dive into the details and see what you think.
Trouba's Heroic Overtime Strike Seals the Deal After Vegas Forces a Tie in the Third
Ducks vs. Golden Knights | Full Recap
By Paul Delos Santos
NHL.com Independent Correspondent
November 09, 2025
LAS VEGAS -- With just 32 seconds remaining in overtime, Jacob Trouba unleashed a backhand shot that slipped through the 'five-hole'—that's hockey lingo for the narrow gap between a goalie's legs, a tricky spot that even the best netminders struggle to cover—and gave the Anaheim Ducks a thrilling 4-3 triumph over the Vegas Golden Knights. This victory not only capped off their sixth consecutive win but also showcased their ability to rebound from a shaky third period where they squandered a two-goal advantage.
For newcomers to hockey, understanding the 'five-hole' is like learning the weak points in a game of chess—it's a vulnerable area that skilled players exploit with precision, often deciding the game's outcome. Trouba's goal was a perfect example, beating goaltender Akira Schmid cleanly and lifting the Ducks' spirits after a tense battle.
Ducks coach Joel Quenneville summed up the team's mindset perfectly: "I like how we're handling things right now. We're playing game to game. We're only playing the game we're in. That's the third period there. We're fortunate there. We definitely gave up a lot. Something we haven't seen lately, but they're a good hockey team. We knew the importance of the game. It's a long season, but we're a young team. We expect to get better as we go along here."
It's interesting, isn't it? Quenneville emphasizes focusing solely on the present game, a philosophy that can be controversial in sports. Some fans and analysts argue that young teams like the Ducks might benefit from longer-term planning to avoid rookie mistakes, while others praise this 'one game at a time' approach for building mental toughness. And this is the part most people miss: How does this strategy shape a team's growth over a grueling 82-game season?
Star forward Leo Carlsson was the standout performer for Anaheim, netting two goals and adding an assist to keep his impressive point streak alive at nine games. The Ducks, now at 10-3-1, have claimed eight of their last nine contests. Goaltender Petr Mrazek was a wall in net, stopping 36 shots and earning praise for his steady presence.
Mrazek reflected on the team's chemistry: "We battle every single period. Every single shift. You can see that the locker room is [filled with] great guys around that help each other. We play for each other. That’s the No. 1 thing. The locker room always sets us up to the standard, and that's what we've been doing so far."
This sense of camaraderie is a key element in hockey, where team dynamics can make or break a season. For beginners, think of it as a family outing where everyone chips in—supporting each other leads to better results on the ice.
ANA@VGK: Trouba Nails the Game-Winner Through the Five-Hole in Overtime
On the Vegas side, Pavel Dorofeyev and Kaedan Korczak found the net in the third period, fueling a comeback that tied the score 3-3. Goaltender Akira Schmid turned away 25 shots, but it wasn't enough as the Golden Knights (7-3-4) dropped their second straight game and three of their last four.
Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy was candid about the loss: "Really thought should have won the game, to be honest with you. I'm not walking out of here tonight, going to beat our guys up. Over pockets of the game, we weren't good enough, of course. All in all, I thought it was certainly a game we should have had the two points in. So, let's build on the positives, fix a few things, and get ready for another really good team coming in here Monday."
Cassidy's optimistic take—focusing on positives despite a defeat—raises eyebrows. Is this the right way to handle a team that's slipping, or should coaches be more critical to spark urgency? It's a debate that divides hockey enthusiasts: some see it as motivating, others as too lenient in a cutthroat league.
Forward Brett Howden highlighted the Knights' strong finish: "Our third period was encouraging. It's more of how we know how to play and how we want to play. The first two, there was a lot of hesitation. Then, the third, you see none of that. We were on our toes, and we were forward and obviously short."
Howden kicked off the scoring for Vegas at 5:47 of the first period, slamming home a one-timer off a pass from William Karlsson from just below the goal line—a classic hockey play where precise passing leads to explosive shots.
Frank Vatrano evened things up at 1-1 late in the first, deflecting a point shot from Olen Zellweger past Schmid.
Carlsson gave the Ducks the lead at 10:39 of the second, slipping a shot through the five-hole again, demonstrating his knack for finding those tiny openings.
Carlsson, beaming after his performance, shared: "It was also huge. We’re playing our game, having fun with it. ‘Q’ is a great coach. He likes to push us on the bench. We're just on a heater right now, and it shows."
ANA@VGK: Carlsson Sneaks a Backhand Through for a Slick Goal
Carlsson's second tally came at 16:50 of the second, a dazzling sequence of backhand-to-forehand moves before a wrist shot under Schmid's pad. With 17 points (six goals and 11 assists) over his nine-game hot streak, he's proving to be a breakout star.
Quenneville praised the young gun: "Most games, we've got everybody contributing. Leo's putting on a show at this time of the season, early, showing that he's taking a big step. There are a lot of guys that we're also very happy with. But Leo's been leading the charge."
For context, a point streak like Carlsson's is rare for rookies—think of it as hitting a hot streak in your favorite video game, where everything clicks and points pile up effortlessly.
NOTES: William Karlsson exited early with a lower-body injury after the first period; Cassidy indicated his status remains uncertain until Monday. … Petr Mrazek reached a milestone with his 400th NHL start, going 3-0-0 in three appearances this season—a testament to his durability and skill. … Trouba notched his third career overtime winner, and his first since October 22, 2018, with the Winnipeg Jets. His four goals this season already equal his output from the previous two years combined, showcasing a resurgence.
Injuries like Karlsson's can be a game-changer, sparking debates on roster depth and load management. And this is the part most people miss: How do these milestones, like Mrazek's 400th start, boost team morale versus the pressure they add?
What do you think, fans? Is the Ducks' young team's 'play it one game at a time' mentality sustainable, or does it risk burnout? Do you agree with Cassidy's positive spin after a loss, or should he have been tougher? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's discuss!
